The Rangers will have a long reliever when rookie Nick Martinez returns to starting every fifth day in the minors, but right-hander Nick Tepesch is unlikely to fill the role.

When the Rangers sent Tepesch to Triple-A Round Rock during spring training, the intent was to have him pitching regularly to shake off the rust that developed last season. Elbow problems limited him to 122/3 innings in the final three months last season.

The plan remains in place, and Tepesch is pitching well. He is 4-1 with a 1.82 ERA, third-best in the Pacific Coast League. For the moment, the Rangers view him as pitching depth.

"He didn't need to be in our bullpen," Washington said. "He needed to pitch, and that's what he's doing. He needs to keep doing that."